
Crystal Morton
Hello! I completed my Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Management in 2012 from the University of Phoenix. I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Counseling in 2016 from Bellevue University in Nebraska. I graduated with my Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate from Capella University in 2023. I have worked in a variety of mental and behavioral health venues, including at-risk and detained youth as a support specialist, a mental health crisis responder, an outpatient therapist, an intensive in-home therapist, and a foster care therapist. My recent primary focus has been on behavioral modification, therapeutic skills building with implementation and practice, and ABA for those with severe and persistent mental and behavioral health problems and those with neurocognitive or other delays. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, mood disruption, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, adjustment disorders, parenting problems, suicidal ideation and self-injurious behavior, and anger management as well as developmental deficits. I hold my independent practitioner license in Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota; I am board-certified through the National Board for Certified Counselors, with additional Nebraska credentials including Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor; I am a behavior analyst. I work to provide individualized and active therapeutic assessment and intervention based on strengths and needs. My counseling style is warm and engaging. I want my clients to be as involved in their treatment planning and interventions as possible. I work hard to provide a mutually respectful and dignified environment that fosters growth and development towards improved functioning and a decrease in symptoms that may be making life difficult. My approach uses a combination of cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, person-centered, motivational interviewing, and guided discovery psychotherapy modes in order to meet each individual's needs and goals. Always remember that asking for help and seeking positive change can be difficult, but they are worth it. I will support, guide, and empower you if you are ready to take that step.

TJ (Tanya) Gorman
I am TJ Gorman and I have been working as a therapist since 2001. However, I have worked in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I began working in inpatient mental health as an intake worker and then worked with the homeless providing case management and outreach. I started my counseling profession in the field of substance abuse and gambling. After completing my masters degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Drake University in 2007, I continued to enhance my therapy skills and furthered my knowledge in trauma. While at a large non-profit, I provided assessment, individual and group therapy. I served on several committees and helped implement changes to our organization and completed the Change Leader Academy through the NIATx program. This helped our agency better serve clients by mainstreaming paperwork, improving access to services and building retention. I also served as a clinical supervisor while at this agency. I have presented locally and regionally on trauma and addictions and as a parent of both biological and adoptive kids, I understand the unique challenges that can come with family disruptions. I currently hold licenses and certifications in mental health, gambling and substance use disorders. My theory of change focuses on better understanding how our childhood shapes who we are so we can become who we want to be. Helping persons heal these past trauma's or hurts, helps support long term success and a renewed sense of purpose. Sometimes the coping skills we use to help us become disruptive and damaging. Learning how to be at peace with our emotions, setting boundaries, and identifying healthier coping skills we can live the life we really want and deserve.

David Smith
Hello and thank you for considering me as your therapist - I am licensed as an LMHC in Iowa and have 25 years of professional work experience. My approach is one in which I recognize the significance (and courage) of your decision to consider counseling and together, we will seek out solutions that build upon your strengths. I would describe myself as accessible, empathetic, pragmatic, and action-oriented. Therapy by design will challenge anyone to step outside their comfort zone and attempt to reshape their life. Typically, we all seek out similar things in life...joy, peace, connectivity, etc...but often, we feel stuck in reaching our life goals. It is my role to assist you with assessing the issues that are preventing you from living your best life and further assisting you with seeking out alternative ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving in order to bring about that change into your life. In professional terms, I would describe myself as "eclectic" in my therapy approach but I tend to emphasize solution-focused, cognitive/behavioral, motivational, and family systems brands of therapy in approaching my work with others. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & depression. I am equally comfortable working with individuals and couples. It is my belief that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Finally, therapy is a two-way street as I believe it is advisable to do a "check in" with clients as to how I am doing in the work we are engaged in and receive feedback. The process of therapy is a joint effort and it is vital that you as a client (or couple) not only feel heard but that therapy is progressing and assisting you in making change in your life. Thank you.

Sarika Griffin
I am a licensed therapist in Nebraska, Iowa, and Florida with 8 years of experience. I have worked with clients with various concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance misuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse—providing support, advocacy, safety planning, and resources to survivors of powerbase violence. I focused on building my knowledge to provide inclusive, trauma-informed advocacy and mental health services with integrity and innovation. My therapy style is warm, direct, and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines attachment-based, internal family systems, solution-focused, client-centered, and dialectical behavior therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you if you are ready to take that step. I look forward to working with you!

Candace Delis
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Lakeland University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I work to create a safe, comfortable and accepting environment for my clients. I have previously worked in crisis intervention as well as group therapy settings and like to focus on providing positive support for my clients. I've been told I'm not the "typical" therapist type - I have tattoos and a pretty progressive viewpoint, and I also work really hard to be relatable to my clients. I'm married and have an 18 year old stepson. The rest of my family is made up of 3 rescue dogs, 3 adopted cats, and we recently reached what I call the "livestock level" of quarantine and got chickens and goats. It's a pretty full house. I have worked with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have worked with a wide range of issues, but some of my areas of specialization include: emotional regulation (anger, anxiety), depression, self-esteem building, bipolar disorder, PTSD, grief and loss, assertiveness building, marital issues and relationship building skills. I also have experience with end of life care. My counseling style is interactive, and I believe in treating people as individuals and not labeling them with their mental health issues. You are not your illness, it is only a small part of who you are. I believe in treating people with the same respect, sensitivity, and compassion as I would like to be treated. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and solution focused counseling. I will do my best to tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek support and take steps towards making a change. Life can throw us curveballs and unexpected circumstances can arise with even the best of planning. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support you and help you find the tools that will help you succeed. I look forward to working with you! My current hours are (all are CST): Mondays 9am-8pm Tuesdays 8am-8pm Wednesdays 8am-8pm Thursdays 8am-8pm Fridays 8am-7pm Saturdays 8am-4pm Some Sundays upon request

Dr. Jessica Martin
I am licensed in State of Iowa with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, sleeping disorders, chronic medical/health adversity, geriatric-related life changes, career difficulties, military related issues, anxiety, and depression. After gathering from you a comprehensive history and your identified goals for therapy during our initial session, I will work with you to tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. For some, take the first step to sign-up for therapy can feel intimidating and unfamiliar. I am committed to fostering a supportive and accepting environment to assist you with reaching you identified goals and become a healthier you.

Kayla Baxter
I am licensed in Iowa with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Tausha Taylor
I am a licensed professional counselor in Missouri with over 12 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, autism, learning disabilities, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, dialectic behavior therapy, EMDR, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Mary McLaggan
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, with 20 years of professional experience. I have experience in helping clients with ADHD, stress and anxiety, as well as depression, and coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step in seeking a happier and more fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Dr. Heidi Duong
Have you ever felt that something was missing from your life, as though you were attempting to reach a destination; however, it could not be reached? We will be looking at ways to fill up our lives that provide feelings of purpose. Sometimes it's easy to look for the next quick fix only to discover we are right where we started. Back to square one! Together, we will discover what areas of life feel unfulfilling and identify barriers and approaches to overcome the obstacles to bring more life satisfaction and self-congruency. I provide hypnotherapy, spiritual counseling as a Kvantum Energy Facilitator and mental health therapy. Through holistic and integrative therapy, we will examine the areas of life that may feel unfulfilling and develop strategies to build more meaning and consistency. By examining our current behaviors, we can develop interventions that focus on self-direction and self-autonomy. I provide mental health counseling, energy healing strategies including fitness. By reaching out to me as your mental health counselor, various resources and tools can be discovered to build more life satisfaction and congruency. This time is your time. Let's work together to find real potential and bring more life purpose and identify strategies to conquer any negative self-doubt and address any feelings of uncertainty.
Find a therapist serving clients in Iowa
What types of therapists are available to clients in Avoca?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Avoca that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Avoca available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Avoca therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Avoca therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Avoca region and in the state of Iowa.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Avoca can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Avoca may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Avoca offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.